Image forming system, image forming apparatus, information converter, server, and computer-readable recording medium

ABSTRACT

An image forming system comprises a calling part for calling up customized information which is operation setting information customized for a specific user, a converter for dividing an operation to be executed in a specific function mode which is installed in a first image forming apparatus and not installed in a second image forming apparatus into a plurality of jobs and changing execution information of the specific function mode to converted execution information described by using combination of pieces of execution information on the plurality of jobs when the specific function mode is included in the customized information, and a controller for executing an operation to implement the same function as that of the specific function mode in the second image forming apparatus by using the converted execution information.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-047471filed on Mar. 4, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming system and a techniquerelating thereto.

2. Description of the Background Art

Image forming apparatuses such as MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) eachinclude a lot of functions. Therefore, it is not easy for users toselect a desired function out of these many functions. For this reason,there is a technique for making entries of often-used functions and thelike for each user in advance in order to facilitate selection of adesired function (call-up of a desired function). Further, suggested isa technique for calling up these function entries from a plurality ofimage forming apparatuses.

Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette No. 2007-67875, forexample, discloses a technique in which a user stores settinginformation (job record) relating to an MFP into a server (managementapparatus) and when the user thereafter uses another MFP, the userdownloads the setting information from the server to the MFP which iscurrently used by the user and uses the setting information in the MFPwhich is currently used. This allows each user who uses a plurality ofMFPs to use his setting information in any MFP.

These MFPs, however, do not always have the same function modes, and inmost cases, these MFPs have different number of and/or different typesof functions. For this reason, in an environment where MFPs (lowfunction MFPs) having a relatively small number of functions and MFPs(high function MFPs) having a relatively large number of functions aremixedly provided, for example, it may occur that a “function mode”(e.g., “double-sided printing”, “N in 1”, or the like) registered in ahigh function MFP cannot be performed by a low function MFP.

In order to solve the above problem, Japanese Patent Application LaidOpen Gazette No. 2007-67875 sets out that it is determined whether ornot there is a difference point in the use of the setting information(job record) between the apparatus (e.g., the high function MFP) whichmakes the setting information (job record) and another apparatus (e.g.,the low function MFP) which makes an inquiry on the setting information(job record) and if there is any difference point, the settinginformation is processed. For example, a function (e.g., double-sidedprinting) which is not installed in the low function MFP is cancelled(turned off) and grayed out on a display screen of the low function MFP.

If such a “function” is cancelled by the above technique, however, it isturned out that this function cannot be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique forfacilitating use of operation setting information customized for aspecific user in a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

The present invention is intended for an image forming system. Accordingto a first aspect of the present invention, the image forming systemcomprises a calling part for calling up customized information which isoperation setting information customized for a specific user, aconverter for dividing an operation to be executed in a specificfunction mode which is installed in a first image forming apparatus andnot installed in a second image forming apparatus into a plurality ofjobs and changing execution information of the specific function mode toconverted execution information described by using combination of piecesof execution information on the plurality of jobs when the specificfunction mode is included in the customized information, and acontroller for executing an operation to implement the same function asthat of the specific function mode in the second image forming apparatusby using the converted execution information.

The present invention is also intended for an information converter.According to a second aspect of the present invention, the informationconverter comprises an acquisition part for acquiring executioninformation of a specific function mode, the specific function modebeing included in customized information which is operation settinginformation customized for a specific user and not being installed in aspecific image forming apparatus, and a converter for dividing anoperation to be executed in the specific function mode into a pluralityof jobs which can be executed in the specific image forming apparatusand converting the execution information of the specific function modeinto converted execution information described by, using combination ofthe plurality of jobs.

The present invention is further intended for an image formingapparatus. According to a third aspect of the present invention, theimage forming apparatus comprises an acquisition part for acquiringexecution information of a specific function mode, the specific functionmode being included in customized information which is operation settinginformation customized for a specific user and not being installed inanother image forming apparatus, and a converter for dividing anoperation to be executed in the specific function mode into a pluralityof jobs which can be executed in the another image forming apparatus andconverting the execution information of the specific function mode intoconverted execution information described by using combination of theplurality of jobs.

The present invention is still further intended for a server connectedto a plurality of image forming apparatuses via a network. According toa fourth aspect of the present invention, the server comprises anacquisition part for acquiring execution information of a specificfunction mode included in customized information which is operationsetting information customized for a specific user and can be called upfrom the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and a converter fordividing an operation to be executed in the specific function mode whichis not installed in a specific image forming apparatus among theplurality of image forming apparatuses into a plurality of jobs whichcan be executed in the specific image forming apparatus and convertingthe execution information of the specific function mode into convertedexecution information described by using combination of the plurality ofjobs.

The present invention is yet further intended for a computer-readablerecording medium. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,the computer-readable recording medium records a computer program forcausing a computer connected to a plurality of image forming apparatusesvia a network to execute the steps of a) acquiring execution informationof a specific function mode included in customized information which isoperation setting information customized for a specific user and can becalled up from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and b)dividing an operation to be executed in the specific function mode whichis not installed in a specific image forming apparatus among theplurality of image forming apparatuses into a plurality of jobs whichcan be executed in the specific image forming apparatus and convertingthe execution information of the specific function mode into convertedexecution information described by using combination of the plurality ofjobs.

The present invention is still further intended for a computer-readablerecording medium. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention,the computer-readable recording medium records a program for causing acomputer embedded in an image forming apparatus to execute the steps ofa) acquiring execution information of a specific function mode, thespecific function mode being included in customized information which isoperation setting information customized for a specific user and notbeing installed in another image forming apparatus, and b) dividing anoperation to be executed in the specific function mode into a pluralityof jobs which can be executed in the another image forming apparatus andconverting the execution information of the specific function mode intoconverted execution information described by using combination of theplurality of jobs.

The present invention is yet further intended for an image formingsystem capable of calling up customized information which is operationsetting information customized for a specific user from a plurality ofimage forming apparatuses. According to a seventh aspect of the presentinvention, the image forming system comprises a first image formingapparatus having a specific function mode, a second image formingapparatus not having the specific function mode, and an informationconverter for dividing an operation to be executed in the specificfunction mode into a plurality of jobs which can be executed in thesecond image forming apparatus and converting execution information ofthe specific function mode in the customized information into convertedexecution information described by using combination of the plurality ofjobs.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an image formingsystem;

FIG. 2 is a view showing functional blocks of each image formingapparatus;

FIG. 3 is a view showing function modes of image forming apparatuses;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an operation panel and therearound of an imageforming apparatus in which an entry is made;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an operation panel and therearound of an imageforming apparatus by which a call-up is performed;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are views each showing a customized screen in theoperation panel;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a detailed setting screen of continuous copymode (multitray mode);

FIG. 9 is a view schematically showing an operation including a functionconverting operation;

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of setting information (operationmode information);

FIG. 11 is a view showing a customized screen displayed on another imageforming apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a view showing converted operation mode information(including converted tag information);

FIG. 13 is a view showing a plurality of jobs after conversion;

FIG. 14 is a view showing converted operation mode information;

FIG. 15 is a view showing a plurality of jobs after conversion;

FIG. 16 is a view showing a display screen used for a user interventionfunction;

FIG. 17 is a view showing additional entry of continuous copy job into ajob queue;

FIG. 18 is a view showing a running job check screen;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing part of an operation flow in an imageforming apparatus (low function apparatus);

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing part of an operation flow of an imageforming apparatus (information converter);

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing part of the operation flow in the imageforming apparatus (low function apparatus);

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating an “enlarged continuous copy mode”;

FIG. 23 is a view showing a front side of a card-like originalmanuscript;

FIG. 24 is a view showing a back side of the card-like originalmanuscript;

FIG. 25 is a view showing an exemplary print output (copy output) of a“card copy mode”; and

FIG. 26 is a view showing a display screen used for a user interventionfunction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will bediscussed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1. Overall System Configuration>

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an image formingsystem 100. The image forming system 100 comprises a data managementapparatus 90 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1.

The data management apparatus 90 and the plurality of image formingapparatuses 1 are connected to one another via a network NW. Among thedata management apparatus 90 and the image forming apparatuses 1, datacan be transmitted and received to/from one another via the network NW.The network NW includes various networks such as a LAN (Local AreaNetwork), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the internet, and the like.

The data management apparatus 90 is configured as, for example, a servercomputer (also referred to simply as “a server”), a network storage(NAS: Network Attached Storage), or the like. The data managementapparatus 90 stores customized information and the like discussed later.

Herein, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured also as a MultiFunction Peripheral (abbreviated as “MFP”). The MFP is an apparatus(also referred to as a multifunction machine) comprising a scannerfunction, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile communicationfunction and the like. Each image forming apparatus 1 is not limited toa MFP but may be configured as a copier, a scanner, or the like.

Further, herein, the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 havesimilar constitutions. First, a common constitution of the plurality ofimage forming apparatuses 1 will be discussed below.

As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, each image formingapparatus 1 comprises an image reading part 2, a printing part 3, acommunication part 4, a storage part 5, an input/output part 6, and acontroller 9, and multiply uses these constituent parts to implementvarious functions.

The image reading part 2 is a processing part which optically reads anoriginal manuscript placed on a predetermined position of the imageforming apparatus 1 and generates image data of the original manuscript(an original manuscript image).

The printing part 3 is an output part which prints out the image tovarious media such as paper on the basis of the image data on an objectimage.

The communication part 4 is a processing part capable of performingfacsimile communication via public networks or the like. Further, thecommunication part 4 is capable of performing network communication viaa network NW. The network communication uses various protocols such asTCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), FTP (FileTransfer Protocol), and the like, and by using the networkcommunication, the image forming apparatus 1 can transmit and receivevarious data to/from desired partners.

The storage part 5 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD),a nonvolatile memory, or/and the like. In the storage part 5, stored isthe original manuscript image (image data) generated by the imagereading part 2, and the like.

The input/output part 6 comprises an operation input part 61 forreceiving an input which is given to the image forming apparatus 1 and adisplay part 62 for performing an display output of various information.In more detail, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with anoperation panel 63 (see FIG. 1). The operation panel 63 is configured asa touch screen which is a liquid crystal display panel in which apiezoelectric sensor or the like is embedded. The operation panel 63serves not only as a part of the display part 62 but also as a part ofthe operation input part 61. The input/output part 6 is capable ofreceiving input operations (e.g., an entry of a menu screen, aninstruction for copy given by using the menu screen, and the like)performed by an operator (a user or the like).

The controller 9 is a control part for generally controlling the imageforming apparatus 1. The controller 9 is a computer system which isembedded in the image forming apparatus 1 and comprises a CPU andvarious semiconductor memories (RAM, ROM, and the like). Variousprocessing parts operate under the control of the controller 9 toimplement various functions of the image forming apparatus 1. Thecontroller 9 causes the CPU to execute a predetermined software program(hereinafter, referred to simply as a “program”) PG stored in the ROM(e.g., EEPROM or the like), to thereby implement various processingparts. The ROM also stores various databases (e.g., a database used forperforming an operation mode converting process (discussed later), andthe like). Further, the program PG, the databases, or the like may bedownloaded via the network NW or acquired via various portable recordingmedia (non-transitory computer-readable recording media) (e.g., a USBmemory or the like).

Specifically, the controller 9 implements various processing partsincluding an operation mode entry part 11, an operation mode call part12, an operation mode analysis part 13, a mode informationsending/receiving part 14, a mode information conversion part 15, a jobcontrol part 16, and an inquiry target determination part 17.

The operation mode entry part 11 is a processing part for making anentry of operation setting information customized for a specific user(referred to as “customized operation setting information” or alsoreferred to simply as “customized information”). The operation modeentry part 11 makes an entry of customized information in accordancewith an operation input made by a user. The customized information issent from an apparatus which makes an entry of the information (e.g., animage forming apparatus 1 c) to the data management apparatus 90 via thenetwork NW and stored into the data management apparatus 90.

The operation mode call part 12 is a processing part for calling up thecustomized information stored in the data management apparatus 90 out toan apparatus (e.g., an image forming apparatus 1 a) including this part12. The operation mode call part 12 causes the customized information tobe forwarded from the data management apparatus 90 to the apparatus (theimage forming apparatus 1 a) which calls up the information via thenetwork NW and to be acquired by the apparatus.

The operation mode analysis part 13 analyzes an operation mode set asthe customized information and determines whether or not this operationmode can be executed by the apparatus including this part 13.

The mode information sending/receiving part 14 sends and receivesoperation mode information (discussed later) via the network NW betweenanother apparatus 1 and the data management apparatus 90 or the like.

The mode information conversion part 15 is a processing part forconverting execution information of a specific function mode (discussedlater) included in the operation mode (i.e., information used forexecuting the specific function mode) into “converted executioninformation”. The converted execution information is executioninformation used for executing the same function as that of the specificfunction mode in at least one of the plurality of image formingapparatuses.

Specifically, as discussed later, the conversion is performed bydividing an operation to be executed in the specific function mode(discussed later) into a plurality of jobs. In the present preferredembodiment, it is assumed that the mode information conversion part 15of an image forming apparatus 1 b performs the operation mode convertingprocess and the mode information conversion part 15 of the image formingapparatus 1 a and the mode information conversion part 15 of the imageforming apparatus 1 c are not used. In other words, only the imageforming apparatus 1 b functions as an information converter forconverting the mode information. Therefore, the mode informationconversion part 15 has only to be provided in the image formingapparatus 1 b and the image forming apparatuses 1 a and 1 c do notnecessarily need to have the mode information conversion part 15.

The job control part 16 is a processing part for controlling a job to beexecuted in the image forming apparatus 1. The job control part 16performs a job entry, a job execution control, a job delete, a jobexecution order control, and the like.

The inquiry target determination part 17 is a processing part fordetermining an apparatus to which an inquiry on the operation modeconversion is made. In the present preferred embodiment, it is assumedthat the apparatus to which an inquiry is made is determined in advance.Therefore, the inquiry target determination part 17 always determinesthe image forming apparatus (1 b) which is determined in advance as theapparatus to which an inquiry is made. This is, however, only oneexemplary case, and an apparatus to which an inquiry is made may bedetermined by communication among the plurality of apparatuses.

Each of these image forming apparatuses 1 has such a constitution asgenerally discussed above.

In the present preferred embodiment, however, the image formingapparatus 1 a and the image forming apparatus 1 c have differentcapabilities. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 a has arelatively small number of functions, which may be simply referred to asa “low function apparatus”. On the other hand, the image formingapparatus 1 c has a relatively large number of functions, which may besimply referred to as a “high function apparatus”. Herein, the imageforming apparatus 1 c is a model superior to the image forming apparatus1 a and has all the functions which the image forming apparatus 1 a has.

FIG. 3 is a view showing function modes of a plurality of types of imageforming apparatuses. As shown in FIG. 3, an apparatus on the left sidehas a smaller number of functions and an apparatus on the right side hasa larger number of functions.

As shown in FIG. 3, an image forming apparatus 1 of the functional levelL1 has a plurality of functions such as “Single-sided/Double-sidedPrinting”, “N in 1”, “BOX Storage”, “BOX Call”, “BOX Document Edit”,“User Intervention Function”, and the like. An image forming apparatus 1of the functional level L2 has functions of “Trimming” and “FormOverlay” as well as the functions that the image forming apparatus 1 ofthe functional level L1 has. An image forming apparatus 1 of thefunctional level L3 has a function of “Enlarged Continuous Copy” as wellas the functions that the image forming apparatus 1 of the functionallevel L2 has. An image forming apparatus 1 of the functional level L4has functions of “Card Copy” and “Continuous Copy” as well as thefunctions that the image forming apparatus 1 of the functional level L3has. An image forming apparatus 1 of the functional level L5 hasfunctions of “Ground Tint Printing” and “Card Authentication” as well asthe functions that the image forming apparatus 1 of the functional levelL4 has.

Herein, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 a is theapparatus of the functional level L2 and the image forming apparatus 1 cis the apparatus of the functional level L4. The image forming apparatus1 b has the same functions as the image forming apparatus 1 c has, andin other words, the image forming apparatus 1 b is the apparatus of thefunctional level L4.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the operation panel 63 (63 c) and therearoundof the image forming apparatus 1 c, and FIG. 5 is a view showing theoperation panel 63 (63 a) and therearound of the image forming apparatus1 a. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the operation panels 63 c and 63 a,displayed are respective function setting screens (basic menu screens)relating to the image forming apparatuses 1 c and 1 a.

As can be seen from the comparison between FIGS. 4 and 5, displayedcontents of the column of “Application” in the operation panels 63 aredifferent from each other. Specifically, in the column of “Application”of the operation panel 63 c in FIG. 4, there are buttons for selectingthe functions of “Enlarged Continuous Copy”, “Continuous Copy”, and“Card Copy”. On the other hand, in the column of “Application” of theoperation panel 63 a in FIG. 5, there is no button for selecting thefunction of “Enlarged Continuous Copy”, “Continuous Copy”, or “CardCopy”. This is because the image forming apparatus 1 c of the functionallevel L4 has the functions of “Enlarged Continuous Copy”, “ContinuousCopy”, and “Card Copy” while the image forming apparatus 1 a of thefunctional level L2 do not have the function of “Enlarged ContinuousCopy”, “Continuous Copy”, or “Card Copy” (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in each of the operation panels 63 of theimage forming apparatuses 1, provided are various buttons BN1 to BN5,BN11, BN12, and BN20 (BN21 to BN30) of the operation input part 61. Thebutton BN1 is a selection button for “Copy” and the button BN2 is aselection button for “Scan”. The button BN3 is a selection button for“FAX” and the button BN4 is a selection button for “Print”. The buttonBN5 is a button used for displaying a screen for entry of an operationsetting customized for a current user and will be discussed later indetail. The button BN11 is a button for “Login/Logout” and the buttonBN12 is a button for “Start”. The button BN20 (in more detail, BN21 toBN30) is a numeric keypad (ten key) for inputting numerals.

Each user can use a login screen (not shown) to be displayed on theoperation panel 63 c in response to the pressing of the button BN11 toperform a login operation. More specifically, when the user inputs hisuser ID and password in a predetermined area of the login screen, theimage forming apparatus 1 compares the inputted information on the userID and the password with information registered in advance. It isthereby possible to determine whether the login user is a registereduser (authorized user) or not and the login is OK or not.

<2. Customized Screen>

Next, a customized screen for each user will be discussed.

Each user can determine a desired setting by using such a setting screenas shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and cause the image forming apparatus 1 toexecute an operation specified by the setting. Repeating such a settingoperation every time, however, is bothersome and may cause anoperational problem.

Then, in order to solve the problem, this image forming system 100 makesit possible to make an entry of typical operation setting (referred toalso as an operation mode) in advance for each user and call up theoperation setting at the execution of the operation. As discussed later,a customized screen for each user (and customized operation settinginformation and the like) is common to a plurality of image formingapparatuses 1. In other words, each user can call up customizedinformation which is customized for the user from the plurality of imageforming apparatuses 1 in the image forming system 100 to use it.

For example, a user can make an entry of an operation of making “twocopies” of an original in a “2 in 1 mode” in advance as a customizedoperation setting for the user. Alternatively, the user can also make anentry of an operation of making “two copies” of an original in a“continuous copy mode (multitray mode)” (discussed later) and a “2 in 1mode” in advance as a customized operation setting for the user.Further, the user can call up the customized operation setting(customized information) registered in advance from the image formingapparatus by which the user makes the entry or a different image formingapparatus at an appropriate point of time to easily perform the sameoperation. The “continuous copy mode (multitray mode)” refers to a modeused for sequentially making a print on pieces of paper held in aplurality of trays. The “continuous copy mode” is used in a case, forexample, where pieces of paper of different colors (blue, red, yellow,green, and white, or the like) are held in five trays TL1 to TL5 and thesame content is printed on the paper of different colors.

The entry and call-up of such operations are performed by using thecustomized screen (setting screen) discussed next.

Hereinafter, an operation for entry of a customized screen (andcustomized information) or the like in the image forming apparatus 1 cwill be discussed. This entry operation is performed by the operationmode entry part 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 c.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a customized screen (referred to also as a menuscreen) GA (GAc) or the like in the operation panel 63 c of the imageforming apparatus 1 c. The screen GAc is a screen to be displayed on theoperation panel 63 c in response to the pressing of the “ModeEntry/Call” button BN5 after the login of an operator (user).

By using the screen GAc, each user can make an entry of an operationsetting (referred to as an operation mode) customized for the user inadvance.

The screen GAc of FIG. 6 has a plurality of (virtual) buttons BN31,BN32, BN41 to BN52. The button BN31 is used for calling up a customizedoperation setting (referred to also as an operation mode). On the otherhand, the button BN32 is used for making an entry of a customizedoperation setting (referred to also as an operation mode). Customizedoperations are associated with the plurality of buttons BN41 to BN52arranged in a 3 by 4 matrix and entries of the customized operations areset to the corresponding buttons. These buttons BN31, BN32, BN41 to BN52are software keys (softkeys). On the other hand, the above buttons BN1to BN5, BN11, BN12, BN20 (BN21 to BN30) are hardware keys (hardkeys).This is, however, only an exemplary case, and each button may be ahardware key or a software key.

For example, after an appropriate setting operation is made, by pressingthe button BN32 and so on, a user UA can make an entry of new settinginformation (operation mode).

Specifically, first in the basic menu screen of FIG. 4, the user UApresses the key (ten key) BN22 of numeral “2” to set the number ofcopies to “two”. The user UA further presses the “2 in 1 mode” button ofthe aggregate print to set the “2 in 1 mode” and then presses the“Continuous Copy” button of the application to set the “continuous copymode (multitray mode)”. For setting the continuous copy mode, forexample, such a screen as shown in FIG. 8 is used. By using the screenof FIG. 8, a plurality of trays to be used in the continuous copy modeare selected and set in accordance with the order of print. For example,the user UA has only to select a desired one out of a plurality of trayoptions (“Tray TL1”, “Tray TL2”, . . . ) included in the column of “TrayOptions” and press a “left arrow key (←)” in the center of the screen tomove the selected tray to the column of “Selected Trays (Order of Use)”.By performing an operation of setting the trays in accordance with theorder of print, a plurality of selected trays are arranged in the columnof “Selected Trays (Order of Use)” on the left side of the screen fromthe top in accordance with the order of print. In FIG. 8, shown are “1:Tray TL1”, “2: Tray TL2”, . . . and this means that the “tray TL1” isthe first tray to be used for print, the “tray TL2” is the second trayto be used for print, and the like.

After that, the user UA presses the “Mode Entry/Call” button BN5 todisplay the screen GAc (FIG. 6) on the operation panel 63 c. At thispoint of time, however, the buttons BN41 to BN52 are not displayed yetin the screen GAc.

Then, when the user UA presses the “Entry” button BN32 in the screenGAc, the image forming apparatus 1 c communicates with the datamanagement apparatus 90 to receive the customized information relatingto the user UA and displays the buttons BN41 to BN52 in the screen GAc.Herein, it is assumed that the entries of the contents with such namesas “1: Job JA”, “2: Job JB”, and “3: Job JC” have been set to thebuttons BN41, BN42, and BN43, respectively, and the respective buttonnames are displayed in the buttons BN41 to BN43. In each of the otherbuttons BN44 to BN52 to which no entry of content is set, there is anindication of “Free”.

Then, the user UA presses the button BN44 for new entry. In response tothe pressing of the button BN44, a button name input screen (not shown)is displayed and a name “Job JD” is given by using the button name inputscreen. When an OK button (not shown) in the button name input screen ispressed, an entry of the setting information indicating that “twocopies” are made by using the “continuous copy mode” and the “2 in 1mode” is set to the button BN44. The setting information (entryinformation) relating to the button Bn44 is sent from the image formingapparatus 1 c to the data management apparatus 90 in response to thepressing of the OK button (see FIG. 9).

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of setting information (operationmode information). The setting information is described in an XML(Extensible Markup Language) format as shown in FIG. 10 and stored. Thedescription “<Key-Num>4</Key-Num>” indicates that the button for newentry is the “fourth” button BN44, and the description “<Copier-Mode>”indicates a coy mode. The description “<Copies>2</Copies>” indicatesthat the number of copies is “two”, and the description“<Nin1>2in1</Nin1>” indicates that the “2 in 1 mode” is specified as thefunction mode (aggregate print mode). Further, the description“<Multi-tray-copy>tray=1, tray=2, tray=3, tray=4,tray=5</Multi-tray-copy>” indicates that the “continuous copy mode” isspecified as the function mode and printing (copying) is performed forpieces of paper held in the five trays TL1, TL2, TL3, TL4, and TL5 inthis order. The setting information is described thus, for example.

Each user can call up the registered setting information (operationmode) by pressing the button BN31. The user UA can call up the settinginformation set in the operation panel 63 c by pressing the button BN31in the operation panel 63 c.

Further, each user can call up the registered setting information fromthe data management apparatus 90 also in the image forming apparatus 1 adifferent from the image forming apparatus 1 c in which the entryoperation is performed. Specifically, in the present image formingsystem 100, the customized screen (customized operation setting and thelike) for each user is common to a plurality of image formingapparatuses.

For example, the user UA can call up the setting information (operationmode) of which the entry is made in the image forming apparatus 1 c(referred to also as an apparatus in which the entry is made or anapparatus in which the information is generated) from another imageforming apparatus 1 a (referred to as a calling apparatus).Specifically, the operation mode call part 12 of the image formingapparatus 1 a calls up the customized information stored in the datamanagement apparatus 90 to the apparatus 1 a.

In more detail, after the login to the image forming apparatus 1 a, theuser UA presses the “Mode Entry/Call” button BN5 (FIG. 5). The samescreen GAa (in which the buttons BN41 to BN52 are not displayed yet) asthe screen GAc shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the operation panel 63 aof the image forming apparatus 1 a. Then, when the user UA presses thebutton BN31 on the operation panel 63 a, the image forming apparatus 1 acommunicates with the data management apparatus 90 to receive thecustomized information (setting information) relating to the user UAfrom the data management apparatus 90 and displays the buttons BN41 toBN52 in the screen GAa on the basis of the received customizedinformation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the same screen GAa asthe screen GAc shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the operation panel 63 aof the image forming apparatus 1 a.

The user UA can select an operation corresponding to the “Job JD” byusing the screen GAa.

As discussed above, however, the image forming apparatus 1 a is a modelinferior to the image forming apparatus 1 c and does not the function of“continuous copy mode”. Therefore, if no measure is taken, the imageforming apparatus 1 a cannot perform the function of “continuous copymode” since there is a difference in function between the image formingapparatus 1 a and the image forming apparatus 1 c as discussed above.

Then, in the present preferred embodiment, an exemplary case will bediscussed below, where a specific function mode (e.g., the “continuouscopy mode”) which can be performed in the image forming apparatus 1 c isdivided into a plurality of jobs which can be performed in the imageforming apparatus 1 a and the same function as that of the specificfunction mode is reconstructed by combining some of the plurality ofjobs. In short, discussion will be made on a case where an operation ofconverting the function mode (the operation is referred to also as afunction converting operation) is performed. By such a convertingoperation, even when a specific function mode is not included in theimage forming apparatus 1 a, the image forming apparatus 1 a can performthe same function as that of the specific function mode.

Hereinafter, discussion will be made on a case where the image formingapparatus 1 b performs such a function converting operation.Specifically, in response to the inquiry from the image formingapparatus 1 a, the image forming apparatus 1 b divides specificfunctions to be implemented in a specific function mode (e.g., the“continuous copy mode”) into a combination of a plurality of jobs andgenerates the combination of the plurality of jobs as a job(substitution job or alternative job) corresponding to the specificfunction mode. The substitution job is sent from the image formingapparatus 1 b to the image forming apparatus 1 a (see FIG. 9).

<3. Operation>

FIG. 9 is a view schematically showing an operation including such afunction converting operation.

Herein, it is assumed, as shown in FIG. 9, that the user UA firstgenerates setting information and makes an entry of the settinginformation in the image forming apparatus 1 c and the settinginformation is forwarded to and stored into the data managementapparatus 90 (Steps S2 and S3).

In subsequent Step S4, as discussed above, when the user UA logs in theimage forming apparatus 1 a and presses the “Mode Entry/Call” button BN5(FIG. 5), the image forming apparatus 1 a displays the screen GAa (seeFIG. 11) (the buttons BN41 to BN52 are not displayed yet) on theoperation panel 63 a. When the user UA further presses the button BN31on the operation panel 63 a, the image forming apparatus 1 acommunicates with the data management apparatus 90 to receive thecustomized information relating to the user UA from the data managementapparatus 90. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 a displays the buttonsBN41 to BN52 in the screen GAa on the basis of the received customizedinformation. As a result, the screen GAa shown in FIG. 11 is displayedon the operation panel 63 a of the image forming apparatus 1 a.

Hereinafter, the following operation will be discussed with reference toFIGS. 19 and 20. Specifically, discussion will be made on a case wherein response to the pressing of the button BN44 in the screen GAa (FIG.11) of the image forming apparatus 1 a, a call-up instruction (executionpreparing instruction) for an operation relating to the “Job JD” isgiven. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing part of an operation flow of theimage forming apparatus 1 a (low function apparatus), and in otherwords, a flowchart showing an operation corresponding to Steps S4 and S6of FIG. 9. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing part of an operation flow ofthe image forming apparatus 1 b (referred to as an information converteror a mode conversion apparatus), and in other words, a flowchart showingan operation corresponding to Step S5 of FIG. 9.

When the user UA presses the button BN44 on the operation panel 63 a ofthe image forming apparatus 1 a, the image forming apparatus 1 a detectsthat an operation mode MA4 corresponding to the “Job JD” set to thebutton BN44 is called up. Then, when it is detected that the operationmode MA4 corresponding to the “Job JD” is called up in Step S21 of FIG.19, the process goes to Step S22.

In Step S22, the image forming apparatus 1 a (in detail, the operationmode call part 12 and the mode information sending/receiving part 14thereof) acquires therein the operation mode information MJ4 (FIG. 10)received from the data management apparatus 90. Herein, it is assumedthat when pieces of information on the buttons BN41 to BN52 areacquired, pieces of operation mode information corresponding to thesebuttons are received by the image forming apparatus 1 a and theoperation mode information MJ4 corresponding to the “Job JD” (the buttonBN44) is extracted and acquired out of a plurality of operation modeinformation which are received. This is, however, only an exemplarycase, and the image forming apparatus 1 a may communicate with the datamanagement apparatus 90 to acquire the operation mode information MJ4 inStep S22.

In next Step S23, the image forming apparatus 1 a (in detail, theoperation mode analysis part 13 thereof) determines whether or not thecontent (function mode or the like) which cannot be executed in theapparatus 1 a is included in the operation mode information MJ4. Inother words, the image forming apparatus 1 a determines whether or not aspecific function mode which is installed in the image forming apparatus1 c and not installed (yet) in the image forming apparatus 1 a isincluded in the operation mode information MJ4 in the customizedinformation.

In more detail, the image forming apparatus 1 a determines whether ornot each function mode included in the operation mode information MJ4 isinstalled in the image forming apparatus 1 a, on the basis ofinformation on the functional level (hereinafter, referred to also as“functional level information”) of the image forming apparatus 1 a. Morespecifically, the image forming apparatus 1 a makes the determination onthe basis of whether or not the operation mode information MJ4 describedin the XML format includes unanalyzable tag information. Herein, it isassumed that the functional level information is stored inside thisapparatus (the image forming apparatus 1 a). The “functional levelinformation” may be referred to also as “possessed-function information”which is information on the functions possessed by the image formingapparatus 1 a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 a is an apparatus ofthe functional level L2 and has the functions of “N in 1” and the likebut does not have the function mode of “continuous copy mode”. On theother hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the description“<Multi-tray-copy>tray=1, tray=2, tray=3, tray=4,tray=5</Multi-tray-copy>” (tag information TG41) relating to theoperation to be executed in the function mode of “continuous copy mode”is included in the operation mode information MJ4 described in the XMLformat (see FIG. 10). In other words, the operation mode information MJ4includes the tag information TG41 which cannot be analyzed by the imageforming apparatus 1 a. In such a case, the image forming apparatus 1 adetermines that the tag information TG41 which cannot be analyzed bythis apparatus is included in the operation mode information MJ4 anddetects the tag information TG41 as “unanalyzable tag information” (“Y”(YES) in Step S23). In the present specification, the “tag information”means information described with tags. Particularly, informationincluding a character string (<Multi-tray-copy>) parenthesized by a pairof signs “<” and “>” is referred to as “tag information” and information(TG41 and the like) including a character string sandwiched between apair of tags (e.g., “<Multi-tray-copy>” and “</Multi-tray-copy>”) isalso referred to as “tag information”.

Detecting the tag information TG41 as “unanalyzable tag information”,the image forming apparatus 1 a sends a conversion request (conversionrequest data) indicating that the operation mode information should beconverted to the image forming apparatus 1 b. Specifically, the imageforming apparatus 1 a (in detail, the operation mode analysis part 13,the mode information sending/receiving part 14, and the like thereof)sends the operation mode information MJ4 including the tag informationTG41, and the like, as the conversion request data (or with theconversion request data) to the image forming apparatus 1 b (Step S25).The image forming apparatus 1 a also sends capability information MBindicating the performance (capability) and the like of this apparatusto the image forming apparatus 1 b. The capability information MB has,for example, functional level information MC relating to the functionsof this apparatus (the image forming apparatus 1 a) and information MDrelating to the apparatus configuration (including an optionalconfiguration and the like) (the information is referred to also as“apparatus configuration information”). The functional level informationMC includes information indicating which of the functional levels L1 toL5 the functional level of this apparatus is, and the like and theapparatus configuration information MD includes information indicatingthe number of trays provided in this apparatus, and the like.

If there is no unanalyzable tag information in the operation modeinformation MJ4, or in other words, if all of the operation modeinformation MJ4 are analyzable (“N” (NO) in Step S23), the process goesto Step S24, and the image forming apparatus 1 a holds the operationmode information MJ4. When the operation of Step S24 is finished, theprocess goes to the next operation of job control (see Step S7 of FIG.9).

In the case where the unanalyzable tag information TG41 is included inthe operation mode information MJ4, when the tag information TG41 andthe like are sent to the image forming apparatus 1 b (in Step S25 ofFIG. 19), the image forming apparatus 1 b executes such an operation asshown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 (which corresponds to the operation ofStep S5 shown in FIG. 9).

As shown in FIG. 20, the image forming apparatus 1 b (in detail, themode information sending/receiving part 14, the mode informationconversion part 15, and the like thereof) first determines whether ornot the tag information included in the operation mode information MJ4can be converted on the basis of the information MJ4 and MB receivedfrom the image forming apparatus 1 a in Step S31.

In more detail, particularly on the basis of the functional levelinformation MC out of the capability information MB of the image formingapparatus 1 a which is a sender, it is detected whether or not there isa tag which cannot be analyzed by the image forming apparatus 1 a anddetermined whether to convert each tag information.

In the above operation, it is detected, for example, that the taginformation TG41 out of the pieces of tag information shown in FIG. 10is tag information corresponding to the function mode (specifically, the“continuous copy mode”) which cannot be analyzed by the image formingapparatus 1 a of the functional level L2.

Then, the image forming apparatus 1 b determines whether or not the“continuous copy mode” can be converted into a plurality of jobs. Inother words, it is determined whether or not a converting function (anoperation mode converting function and the like) of the image formingapparatus 1 b can respond to the “continuous copy mode”. Specifically,it is determined whether or not it is possible for the image formingapparatus 1 b to convert the tag information TG41 of the “continuouscopy mode” into tag information formed of a combination consisting of aplurality of jobs (discussed later). In more detail, the image formingapparatus 1 b determines whether or not this apparatus has a convertingfunction for the continuous copy mode. Herein, it is assumed that theimage forming apparatus 1 b has the converting function for thecontinuous copy mode.

If the image forming apparatus 1 b has the converting function for thecontinuous copy mode (the conversion result is good), the process goesto Step S34. In Step S34, such a conversion as discussed later isperformed on the basis of a conversion database DB (discussed later) andthe like and operation mode information MR4 (, MS4) including convertedtag information TR41 (, TS41) is sent from the image forming apparatus 1b to the image forming apparatus 1 a. In other words, the operation modeinformation including a plurality of converted job information is sentback.

On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 1 b does not have theconverting function for the continuous copy mode (the conversion resultis not good), the process goes to Step S33. In Step S33, a message thatthe mode conversion is impossible is sent from the image formingapparatus 1 b to the image forming apparatus 1 a.

The conversion in Step S34 is performed by the mode informationconversion part 15 and the like of the image forming apparatus 1 b andthe sending (returning) operation in Steps S33 and S34 is performed bythe mode information sending/receiving part 14 and the like of the imageforming apparatus 1 b.

Next, the conversion and the like in Step S34 will be discussed.

For example, the original tag information TG41 is converted into the taginformation TR41 (see FIG. 12) which can be analyzed by the imageforming apparatus 1 a and the original operation mode information MJ4 isconverted into the operation mode information MR4 (see FIG. 12) whichcan be analyzed by the image forming apparatus 1 a.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the converted operation mode information MR4.As shown in FIG. 12, the converted operation mode information MR4includes the converted tag information TR4. The executing operationdescribed in the original tag information TG41 is divided into thefollowing seven jobs (described in an area sandwiched between the tag“<Multi-tray-copy>” and the tag “</Multi-tray-copy>”) and reconstructedby the seven jobs. Specifically, the original tag information TG41 isconverted into the new tag information TR41 relating to the seven jobs.As shown in FIG. 13, the seven jobs are the following jobs B1 to B7:

(B1) “BOX Storage”: store an image (scan image) acquired by a scanoperation into a predetermined box (e.g., a system box) as a temporaryfile (file name=“temp20090921180125”,

(B2) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL1 and print the temporary file,

(B3) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL2 and print the temporary file,

(B4) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL3 and print the temporary file,

(B5) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL4 and print the temporary file,

(B6) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL5 and print the temporary file, and

(B7) “BOX Document Edit”: delete the temporary file in the box.

These jobs B1 to B7 are described in the XML format, for example, asshown in FIG. 12. More specifically, the jobs B1 to B7 are described as:

(B1) <Scan-to-box>filename=temp20090921180125</Scan-to-box>,

(B2) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=1</Box-to-print>,

(B3) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=2</Box-to-print>,

(B4) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=3</Box-to-print>,

(B5) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=4</Box-to-print>,

(B6) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=5</Box-to-print>,

(B7) <Box-file-delete>filename=temp20090921180125,

attribute=not_delete</Box-file-delete>.

Thus, having received the conversion request from the image formingapparatus 1 a, the image forming apparatus 1 b (the mode informationconversion part 15) divides the operation to be executed correspondinglyto the “continuous copy mode (multitray mode)” into a plurality of jobs(B1 to B7). Then, the image forming apparatus 1 b converts the executioninformation (in detail, the tag information TG41) of the “continuouscopy mode” into converted execution information (in detail, the taginformation TR41) described by using a combination of the pieces ofexecution information of a plurality of jobs (B1 to B7). In short, theoriginal tag information TG41 is converted into the new tag informationTR41. The original operation mode information MJ4 is converted into thenew operation mode information MR4.

Then, when the image forming apparatus 1 a executes the jobs B1 to B7described in the tag information TR41 of the operation mode informationMR4, the same function as that of the “continuous copy mode” isimplemented in the image forming apparatus 1 a. In other words, thecustomized information customized for a specific user in the imageforming apparatus 1 c or the like can be used in another image formingapparatus 1 a.

In this case, the converted tag information TR41 is very useful when thenumber of trays in the image forming apparatus 1 a is not smaller thanthe number of trays in the image forming apparatus 1 c (five or more).

When the number of trays provided in the image forming apparatus 1 a isthree and the trays TL4 and TL5 are not present in the image formingapparatus 1 a, however, the above-discussed conversion is not alwayssufficient. For this reason, it is preferable that the number of traysin the image forming apparatus 1 a should be taken into consideration.

Hereinafter, discussion will be made on a case where the aboveconversion is performed by using not only the functional levelinformation MC but also the apparatus configuration information MD amongthe capability information MB of the image forming apparatus 1 a whichgives the conversion request. In more detail, by using also theinformation on the number of trays included in the apparatusconfiguration information MD, it is determined whether or not the fivetrays TL1 to TL5 included in the tag information TG41 are provided inthe image forming apparatus 1 a. Then, if it is determined that thenumber of trays provided in the image forming apparatus 1 a is short,such tag information TS41 (another tag information TS41 which can beanalyzed by the image forming apparatus 1 a) as described below, usingalso a user intervention function, is generated. In other words, the taginformation TG41 is converted into the tag information TS41. The “userintervention function” is a function using the intervention of the user.As the user intervention function, for example, used is a function foronce changing the state of the apparatus into a standby state andthereafter waiting until user's operation of changing paper or the like(user intervention) is finished.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the converted operation mode information MS4.As shown in FIG. 14, the converted operation mode information MS4includes the converted tag information TS41. The executing operationdescribed in the original tag information TG41 is divided into thefollowing eight jobs (described in an area sandwiched between the tag“<Multi-tray-copy>” and the tag “</Multi-tray-copy>”) and reconstructedby the eight jobs. Specifically, the original tag information TG41 isconverted into the new tag information TS41 relating to the eight jobs.As shown in FIG. 15, the eight jobs are the following jobs B1 to B8:

(E1) “BOX Storage”: store an image (scan image) acquired by a scanoperation into a predetermined box (e.g., a system box) as a temporaryfile (file name=“temp20090921180125”,

(E2) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL1 and print the temporary file,

(E3) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL2 and print the temporary file,

(E4) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL3 and print the temporary file,

(E5) “User Intervention Function”: display “PLEASE CHANGE PAPER IN THETRAYS 1 & 2 TO DESIRED PAPER. WHEN READY, PLEASE PRESS THE START KEY.”on the operation panel; Start when the start key is pressed,

(E6) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL1 and print the temporary file,

(E7) “BOX Call”: select the tray TL2 and print the temporary file, and

(E8) “BOX Document Edit”: delete the temporary file in the box.

These jobs are to sequentially execute the following operations.Specifically, the job E1 is a job for storing the scan image into a box(job E1). The following jobs E2, E3, and E4 are jobs for printing thescan image in the box on the paper in the trays TL1, TL2, and TL3,respectively. The next job E5 is a job for performing the userintervention function, i.e., a job for displaying such a screen as shownin FIG. 16 on the operation panel 63 a and thereafter waiting for theinput of the start key. The screen is displayed after the end of the jobE4. In accordance with the instruction of the screen, the user changesthe paper in the trays TL1 and TL2 and presses the start key again, tothereby continue the process. Further, the jobs E6 and E7 are jobs forprinting the scan image in the box on the paper in the trays TL1 andTL2, respectively, after the input of the start key. The job E8 is a jobfor deleting the scan image which is temporarily stored in the box.

These jobs B1 to B8 are described in the XML format, for example, asshown in FIG. 14. More specifically, the jobs B1 to B8 are described as:

(E1) <Scan-to-box>filename=temp20090921180125</Scan-to-box>,

(E2) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=1</Box-to-print>,

(E3) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=2</Box-to-print>,

(E4) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=3</Box-to-print>,

(E5) <Wait-operation>print_string=“PLEASE CHANGE PAPER IN THE TRAYS1 & 2TO DESIRED PAPER. WHEN READY, PLEASE PRESS THE START KEY.”,wait=start_key,

(E6) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=1</Box-to-print>,

(E7) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125, tray=2</Box-to-print>,

(E8) <Box-file-delete>filename=temp20090921180125,

attribute=not_delete</Box-file-delete>.

Further, the file name of the temporary box may be automaticallydetermined by the image forming apparatus 1 b.

In this case, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 b has theconversion database DB relating to the function modes therein inadvance. The conversion database DB defines the correspondence betweenthe execution information of each function mode and a plurality of jobsafter the conversion in advance. For example, as to the continuous copymode, conversion data (referred to also as a conversion program) withthe number of trays (required trays) to be used in the continuous copymode and the number of trays provided in the apparatus (image formingapparatus 1 a) which performs this mode as an input parameter(variables) is stored in advance. Then, in accordance with the number ofrequired trays and the number of provided trays, such a description inthe XML format as discussed above is automatically outputted.Specifically, the number of required trays is calculated on the basis ofthe original tag information TG41 and compared with the number of traysprovided in the image forming apparatus 1 a. Then, when the number ofrequired trays is not larger than the number of provided trays, theconverted execution information not including the user interventionfunction (the tag information TR41 or the like) is generated. On theother hand, when the number of required trays is larger than the numberof provided trays, the converted execution information including theuser intervention function (the tag information TS41 or the like) isgenerated. Thus, the converted tag information TS41 (or TR41) isgenerated from the original tag information TG41.

Thus, the original tag information TG41 is converted into the new taginformation TS41 and the original operation mode information MJ4 isconverted into the new operation mode information MS4.

Referring back to FIG. 19, when the image forming apparatus 1 a receivesthe conversion result from the image forming apparatus 1 b (Step S26), abranch operation in accordance with the conversion result is performed.

Receiving the operation mode information MS4 (or MR4 or thelike)—including the converted tag information TS41 (or TR41 or thelike), the image forming apparatus 1 a holds the operation modeinformation therein (stores the operation mode information into atemporary memory or the like) (“Y” in Step S27, then Step S29) andcompletes the process of this flowchart (END). On the other hand,receiving a result report indicating that the conversion result is notgood (in detail, the conversion cannot be performed) (“N” in Step S27),the image forming apparatus 1 a displays a warning screen (not shown)indicating that a specified operation (an operation specified bypressing the button BN44) cannot be executed on the operation panel 63a. The image forming apparatus 1 a further cancels the specification ofthe specified operation mode (Step S28) and completes the process ofthis flowchart (END).

After Step S29, the operation of Step S7 shown in FIG. 9 is performed.Specifically, first, the image forming apparatus 1 a makes an additionalentry of the jobs based on the operation mode information MS4 (or MR4)or the like into a job queue (see FIG. 17). Then, in accordance with theorder of execution, the jobs are sequentially executed. For example, theeight jobs E1 to E8 included in the operation mode information MS4 areregistered additionally to the existing waiting jobs. When the time toexecute the eight jobs E1 to E8 comes, the eight jobs E1 to E8 aresequentially executed. The job entry operation, the job executioncontrol operation, and the like are performed by the job control part 16of the image forming apparatus 1 a.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the job entry operation. The job entryoperation shown in FIG. 21 is performed after Steps S29 and S24 in theflowchart of FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 21, first, when the image formingapparatus 1 a detects that the start key (start button) BN12 is pressed,it is determined that an execution instruction for a call-up job (indetail, a job corresponding to the operation mode information called upin response to the pressing of the button BN44 and the like) is given,and the process goes to Step S42. In Step S42, it is determined whethersuch a substitution job as above (the converted operation modeinformation (MS4, MR4, or the like)) is acquired or not. If theconverted operation mode information (substitution job) is acquired, thesubstitution job described in the converted operation mode informationis additionally registered into a job control table (Step S44). On theother hand, if the converted operation mode information (substitutionjob) is not acquired (the original tag information does not need to beconverted), the original operation mode information (MJ4 or the like) isadditionally registered into the job control table as information on thenext job (Step S44).

In the above operation, the image forming apparatus 1 a sends theconversion request to the image forming apparatus 1 b (informationconverter) if a specific function mode which this apparatus cannotperform is included in the customized information (Step S25 of FIG. 19).Receiving the conversion request from the image forming apparatus 1 a,the image forming apparatus 1 b (the mode information conversion part15) divides the operation to be executed in the “continuous copy mode(multitray mode)” into the plurality of jobs E1 to E8. Then, the imageforming apparatus 1 b converts the execution information (in detail, thetag information) of the “continuous copy mode” into the convertedexecution information described by using the combination of pieces ofexecution information of the jobs E1 to E8 (Step S34). After that, whenthe operation relating to the jobs E1 to E8 are performed by the imageforming apparatus 1 a in accordance with the description of the taginformation TS41 in the operation mode information MS4, the samefunction as that of the “continuous copy mode” is implemented also inthe image forming apparatus 1 a.

Therefore, according to the above aspect, the customized informationwhich is customized for a specific user in the image forming apparatus 1c or the like can be used also in another image forming apparatus 1 a.Specifically even if a specific function mode in the customizedinformation is not installed in an image forming apparatus (1 a), thesame function can be implemented in the image forming apparatus (1 a).In other words, the operation setting information customized for aspecific user can be easily used by a plurality of image formingapparatuses (1 a, 1 c, and the like).

It is preferable that the job registered in the job queue can be deleted(interrupted) during waiting period or during execution. It is assumed,for example, that a copy job in the above-discussed continuous copy modeis registered as the fifth job (together with other four jobs) in suchan entry job check screen as shown in FIG. 18. In this case, it has onlyto be so configured that the copy job can be deleted when a part CPwhich corresponds to the copy job in the fifth stage is pressed by afinger of the user for selection and thereafter a job delete button BN62is pressed. Further, in this case, it is desirable that the above jobsE1 to E8 should be treated systematically. In other words, it isdesirable that the plurality of jobs E1 to E8 should be treatedsystematically as a plurality of subjobs relating to the “continuouscopy job”. When an instruction that the copy job (continuous copy job)should be deleted is received after the execution of the subjob E1 andbefore the execution of the subjob E7, it is desirable that the subjobsother than the subjob E8 should be deleted while the subjob E8 should beleft, not being deleted. It is thereby possible to surely delete thetemporary file by executing the subjob E8. The description“attribute=not_delete” (see FIG. 14) in the subjob E8 indicates theabove operation.

Further, it is desirable that an operation of changing the order ofexecution of a job and another job, and the like, can be performed. Alsoin such a case, it is desirable that the plurality of jobs E1 to E8should be treated systematically. In other words, it is desirable thatthe plurality of jobs E1 to E8 should be treated systematically as aplurality of subjobs relating to the continuous copy job. When the orderof execution is changed, particularly, it is desirable that the order ofexecution of the jobs E1 to E8 should be treated in a single unit lestthe other job is inserted among the jobs E1 to E8. For example, when acondition that a predetermined tray used in the job to be executed isempty of paper is satisfied, the next job may overtake the job to beexecuted and be preferentially executed ahead (an overtaking operation).Also in an apparatus in which such an overtaking operation is allowed,it is desirable that the overtaking operation is inhibited during theexecution of the “continuous copy job”.

<4. Other Function Modes>

Though discussion has been made above on the case where the imageforming apparatus 1 a in which the “continuous copy mode” is notinstalled implements the same function as that of the “continuous copymode” by using the operation mode converting function of the imageforming apparatus 1 b (information converter), this is only oneexemplary case. Also in the other function modes (e.g., the “enlargedcontinuous copy mode”, the “card copy mode”, and the like), similarly,the above-discussed principle can be applied.

<Enlarged Continuous Copy Mode>

The “enlarged continuous copy mode” is a mode for generating a copy ofwhich the size is larger than that of paper by dividing an originalmanuscript into a plurality of partial areas and sequentially performingenlarged copying of the plurality of partial areas. As shown in FIG. 22,for example, by joining a plurality of pieces of A4-sized paper obtainedby copying partial areas of an A3-sized original manuscript PA, anA1-sized copy PB can be generated.

In more detail, first, the original manuscript PA is divided into aplurality of (e.g., sixteen) partial areas PT1 to PT16. Then, enlargedcopying is sequentially performed for the plurality of partial areas PT1to PT16 at a predetermined magnification (e.g., a magnification of 200%)onto A4 paper. More specifically, the partial area PT1 of the originalmanuscript PA is first cropped out and the partial area PT1 isenlargedly copied at a predetermined magnification onto the first A4paper. Next, the partial area PT2 of the original manuscript PA iscropped out and the partial area PT2 is enlargedly copied at apredetermined magnification onto the second A4 paper. Further, thepartial area PT3 of the original manuscript PA is cropped out and thepartial area PT3 is enlargedly copied at a predetermined magnificationonto the third A4 paper. Then, the partial area PT4 of the originalmanuscript PA is cropped out and the partial area PT4 is enlargedlycopied at a predetermined magnification onto the fourth A4 paper. Afterthat, the same operation is repeated, where the partial area PTi (i=1, .. . , 16) of the original manuscript PA is cropped out and the partialarea PTi is enlargedly copied at a predetermined magnification onto thei-th A4 paper. Thus, the “enlarged continuous copy mode” is implementedby the combination of the cropping (trimming) function and theenlargement function.

As shown in FIG. 3, however, the “enlarged continuous copy mode” isinstalled in the higher-level models of which the functional level is L3or higher but not installed in the lower-level models of which thefunctional level is L2 or lower. In this case, when the operation modeset in the screen GAc of the image forming apparatus 1 c of thefunctional level L4 includes the “enlarged continuous copy mode”, theimage forming apparatus 1 a of the functional level L2 cannot implementthe same function as that of the “enlarged continuous copy mode”.

For this reason, the above-discussed principle is applied in thissituation, it is desirable that the “enlarged continuous copy mode”should be reconstructed by the combination of predetermined functions.Specifically, the “enlarged continuous copy mode” may be implemented byusing the functions (in detail, the “trimming” function, the“enlargement” function, and the like) possessed by the image formingapparatus 1 a.

In more detail, receiving the conversion request from the image formingapparatus 1 a, the image forming apparatus 1 b (the mode informationconversion part 15) divides the operation to be executed in the“enlarged continuous copy mode” into a plurality of jobs (specifically,the “trimming+enlargement” jobs). Then, the image forming apparatus 1 bconverts the execution information (in detail, the tag information) ofthe “enlarged continuous copy mode” into the converted executioninformation (in detail, the tag information) described by using thecombination of pieces of execution information of the plurality of jobs(the “trimming+enlargement” jobs).

For example, in the converted execution information, an integratedoperation of the operation of cropping out the partial area PTi of theoriginal manuscript PA and the operation of enlargedly copying thepartial area PTi at a predetermined magnification onto the i-th A4-sizedpaper is described as the i-th job Ji. It is also described that the jobJi should be repeated sixteen times.

The image forming apparatus 1 a receives such converted executioninformation from the image forming apparatus 1 b and performs the jobcorresponding to the converted execution information, to therebyimplement the same function as that of the “enlarged continuous copymode”.

According to the above aspect, the customized information which iscustomized for a specific user in the image forming apparatus 1 c or thelike can be used also in another image forming apparatus 1 a.

<Card Copy Mode>

The “card copy mode” is a copy mode in which the front and back sides ofa card-like original such as a driver's license are copied and images ofboth the sides are placed in one piece of paper.

In the card copy mode, a front side of a card-like original PE (see FIG.23) and a back side of the card-like original PE (see FIG. 24) aresequentially scanned and a front side image and a back side image aregenerated. Then, the front side image and the back side image areprinted out in one piece of paper, being vertically arranged (see FIG.25).

More specifically, the user first places the original manuscript PE on adocument glass and has the image forming apparatus scan the front sideof the original PE. After that, in accordance with such an instructiondisplayed in the screen as shown in FIG. 26, the user turns over theoriginal (card) PE and places the original PE again on the documentglass, and further has the image forming apparatus scan the back side ofthe original PE. Then, after a composite image in which the front sideimage and the back side image are arranged on the upper position and thelower position, respectively, is generated, the composite image isprinted out (FIG. 25).

As shown in FIG. 3, however, the “card copy mode” is installed in thehigher-level models of which the functional level is L4 or higher butnot installed in the lower-level models of which the functional level isL3 or lower. In this case, when the operation mode set in the screen GAcof the image forming apparatus 1 c of the functional level L4 includesthe “card copy mode”, the image forming apparatus 1 a of the functionallevel L2 cannot implement the same function as that of the “card copymode”.

For this reason, the above-discussed principle is applied in thissituation, it is desirable that the “card copy mode” should bereconstructed by the combination of predetermined functions.Specifically, the “card copy mode” may be implemented by using thefunctions (in detail, the “form overlay” function, the “userintervention” function, and the like) possessed by the image formingapparatus 1 a.

In more detail, receiving the conversion request from the image formingapparatus 1 a, the image forming apparatus 1 b (the mode informationconversion part 15) divides the operation to be executed in the “cardcopy mode” into a plurality of jobs (specifically, the front side scanjob, the user intervention job, the back side scan job, and the formoverlay printout job). Then, the image forming apparatus 1 b convertsthe execution information (in detail, the tag information) of the “cardcopy mode” into the converted execution information (in detail, the taginformation) described by using the combination of pieces of executioninformation of the plurality of jobs (the front side scan job, the userintervention job, the back side scan job, and the form overlay printoutjob).

For example, in the converted execution information, described are thetag information corresponding to the front side scan job, the taginformation corresponding to the user intervention job, the taginformation corresponding to the back side scan job, and the taginformation corresponding to the form overlay printout job. In thiscase, the front side scan job is a job of scanning the front side of theoriginal PE, and the back side scan job is a job of scanning the backside of the original PE. The user intervention job is a job ofrequesting user's intervention, in more detail, a job of requesting theuser to reverse the front side and the back side of the original PE. Inthe user intervention job, such a screen as shown in FIG. 26 isdisplayed on the operation panel 63. The form overlay printout job is ajob of laying out the front side image and the back side image at therespective specified positions in a form for card print made in advanceand printing out the form.

The image forming apparatus 1 a receives such converted executioninformation from the image forming apparatus 1 b and performs the jobcorresponding to the converted execution information, to therebyimplement the same function as that of the “card copy mode”.

According to the above aspect, the customized information which iscustomized for a specific user in the image forming apparatus 1 c or thelike can be used also in another image forming apparatus 1 a.

Though the “enlarged continuous copy mode” and the “card copy mode” havebeen discussed as exemplary cases herein, the above-discussed principlecan be also applied to other function modes.

<Variations>

Though the preferred embodiment of the present invention has beendiscussed above, the present invention is not limited to theabove-discussed preferred embodiment.

Though the image forming apparatus 1 b responds to the call-up of eachoperation mode and performs the conversion of the operation modecorresponding to the call-up, or the like, in the above-discussedpreferred embodiment, for example, this is only one exemplary case. Theconversion or the like may be performed collectively for a plurality ofoperation modes registered in relation to the user UA. Specifically, atthe point of time when the button BN31 on the operation panel 63 a (FIG.11) is pressed and the customized information relating to the user UA isrequested by the image forming apparatus 1 a, the image formingapparatus 1 b may perform the above conversion of each of the pluralityof operation modes included in the customized information relating tothe user UA.

Though the case where the conversion of the operation modes, or thelike, is performed in response to the call-up of the customizedinformation in the above-discussed preferred embodiment, this is onlyone exemplary case.

For example, the conversion of the operation modes may be performed inadvance when the customized information is registered. Specifically, atthe point of time when the button BN63 and any one of the buttons BN41to BN52 on the operation panel 63 c (FIG. 6) are sequentially pressedand the customized information relating to the user UA is requested tobe registered, the following operation may be performed.

In detail, first, the image forming apparatus 1 c which makes entriessends an entry request including the operation mode information to beregistered in the customized information to the data managementapparatus 90. The data management apparatus 90 forwards the receivedentry request to the image forming apparatus 1 b. The image formingapparatus 1 b communicates with the image forming apparatuses 1 a and 1c, or the like, to acquire the capability information MB or the like ofthe image forming apparatuses 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c and determines whetheror not there is any image forming apparatus which needs to perform theconversion of the operation mode (and/or the function mode) to beregistered. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 b generates theconverted operation mode information (including the converted executioninformation) to be used to execute the operation mode in the imageforming apparatus which is determined to need the conversion and storesthe operation mode information therein. After that, when the operationmode is called up, the image forming apparatus 1 b sends (back) theconverted operation mode information stored therein to the image formingapparatus (e.g., 1 a) which calls up the mode. Thus, by the preliminaryconversion at the time of entry, since the conversion is performed inadvance prior to the call-up of the predetermined operation mode in thecustomized information, it is not necessary to perform a substantialconversion when the call-up is performed (the conversion request isgiven) after that. Therefore, it is possible to respond to theconversion request more quickly as compared with the case where theconversion is started at the point of time when the conversion requestis generated in the call-up operation.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 c gives an instruction formaking an entry of the customized information including a plurality ofoperation modes to the data management apparatus 90, the aboveconversion may be performed for each of the plurality of operationmodes. Specifically, there may be a case where the data managementapparatus 90 forwards the instruction for making an entry of thecustomized information including the plurality of operation modes to theimage forming apparatus 1 b and the image forming apparatus 1 b performscollective conversion for the plurality of operation modes.

Furthermore, instead of storing the result of such a conversion at theentry as discussed above in the image forming apparatus 1 b, theconversion result may be forwarded in advance to the image formingapparatuses 1 a, 1 c, and the like in the image forming system 100 andstored therein. The image forming apparatus 1 a or the like does notneed to acquire the conversion result from the image forming apparatus 1b via the network every time when the call-up is performed in the imageforming apparatus 1 a.

In the above-discussed preferred embodiment, discussion has been made onthe case where the image forming apparatus 1 b can convert (divide) allthe functions which can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1 cinto jobs which can be executed by a relatively low-level image formingapparatus. In general, however, there may be a case where the imageforming apparatus 1 b cannot convert all the functions of the imageforming apparatus 1 c. In such a situation, it is desirable to check ifthe image forming apparatus 1 b (mode conversion apparatus) can converteach of the functions of the image forming apparatus 1 c which makes anentry of the customized screen in advance.

For this reason, such an operation as discussed below, for example, maybe performed when the entry of the customized information is made.First, when the image forming apparatus 1 c sends the entry request ofthe customized information for a specific user to the data managementapparatus 90, the data management apparatus 90 forwards the entryrequest to the image forming apparatus 1 b (mode conversion apparatus).Then, in response to the entry request (including the customizedinformation), the image forming apparatus 1 b performs the followingoperation. The image forming apparatus 1 b first determines whether ornot the conversion of each of all the operation modes in the customizedinformation can be carried out. The image forming apparatus 1 b sendsthe determination result back to the image forming apparatus 1 c(directly or through the data management apparatus 90). The imageforming apparatus 1 c displays the determination result on the basis ofthe content of the result which is sent back. By such an operation, theuser can know in advance that the conversion of the operation modescannot be carried out, even if the image forming apparatus 1 b is anapparatus which is older than the image forming apparatus 1 c and notcapable of performing the conversion of a new function of the imageforming apparatus 1 c, and the like.

Though discussion has been made on the case where the high functionapparatus (image forming apparatus 1 c) has all the functions of the lowfunction apparatus (image forming apparatus 1 a) in the above-discussedpreferred embodiment, this is only one exemplary case. Also in a case,for example, where the high function apparatus does not have some of thefunctions of the low function apparatus, or in other words, where thehigh function apparatus does not completely include all the functions ofthe low function apparatus, the above-discussed principle can beapplied. Specifically, the above principle can be applied to the casewhere an apparatus is intended to implement a function which is notincluded in this apparatus but is included in another apparatus.

Further, in the above-discussed preferred embodiment, discussion hasbeen made on the case where a program, a database, and the like used forperforming the operation mode converting process are stored in advancein the nonvolatile memory (EEPROM or the like) in the image formingapparatus 1 b. The program and the database may be stored in any type ofnonvolatile storage part such as a HDD, which is not limited to thenonvolatile memory. Further, the program and the database stored in thenonvolatile storage part may be updated via the network communication orthe like. Alternatively, there may be a case where a (upgraded) programor the like which is newly acquired by downloading or the like is storedadditionally to the (old version) program or the like which has beenalready stored and the newly-acquired program or the like is usedinstead of the already-existing program or the like. Such an update maybe performed by an update part (not shown) implemented by the controller9. The update part is a processing part for updating any type ofdatabase (conversion database) and any type of program. The update partupdates the database and/or the program by downloading or the like of adatabase of the latest version and/or a program of the latest versionvia the network NW. In a case where a new image forming apparatus havinga new function mode is added in the system or the like cases, it furtherbecomes possible to convert the new function mode by adding thecorresponding function mode through such updating of the program or thelike,

Though discussion has been made on the case where the conversiondatabase DB relating to the function modes is stored inside the imageforming apparatus 1 b in the above-discussed preferred embodiment, thisis only one exemplary case and the conversion database DB may be storedin an apparatus (e.g., the data management apparatus 90 or the like)outside the image forming apparatus 1 b. In such a case, the imageforming apparatus 1 b (information converter) accesses the externalconversion database DB to acquire required data as necessary.

Though discussion has been made on the case where the functional levelinformation is stored inside the image forming apparatus 1 a (jobexecution apparatus for executing a copy job and the like) in theabove-discussed preferred embodiment, this is only one exemplary caseand the functional level information (possessed-function information)may be stored in an apparatus (e.g., the data management apparatus 90 orthe like) outside the image forming apparatus 1 a.

Though discussion has been made on the case where the image formingapparatus 1 a determines whether or not a specific function mode isinstalled in the image forming apparatus 1 a on the basis of thefunctional level information MC of the image forming apparatus 1 a (jobexecution apparatus) in the above-discussed preferred embodiment, thisis only one exemplary case. For example, the information converter(image forming apparatus 1 b or the like) may determine whether or notthe specific function mode is installed in the image forming apparatus 1a on the basis of the data in the information converter. Specifically,first, the information converter acquires the respective pieces ofpossessed-function information (functional level information and thelike) of the image forming apparatuses 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c in advance andstores the information therein. Then, the information converterdetermines whether or not the function modes in the operation modeinformation MJ4 sent from the image forming apparatus 1 a are installedin the image forming apparatus 1 a. Further, the information converterdetermines whether to execute the conversion in response to thedetermination result and sends the determination result (including theconverted operation mode information and the like) back to the imageforming apparatus 1 a.

Though discussion has been made on the case where the image formingapparatus 1 b performs the operation mode converting process in theabove-discussed preferred embodiment, this is only one exemplary case.

For example, the image forming apparatus (1 a, 1 c, or the like) otherthan the apparatus 1 b may perform the operation mode convertingprocess. In more detail, the image forming apparatus 1 c which makesentries may perform the operation mode converting process.Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 a (job execution apparatus)which makes an inquiry may also perform the operation mode convertingprocess. Further, an apparatus (e.g., the data management apparatus 90)other than the image forming apparatuses may perform the operation modeconverting process.

In a case where a plurality of apparatuses (image forming apparatusesand the like) can perform the operation mode converting process in theimage forming system 100, which one of the apparatuses should serve asthe information converter (mode conversion apparatus) may be determinedby mutual communication or the like. There may be a case, for example,where respective pieces of version information of the program and thelike (in detail, a converting program, a converting database, and/or thelike) which are executed in the image forming apparatuses are mutuallyexchanged and the image forming apparatus corresponding to the programand the like of the latest version is determined as the informationconverter. Such an operation may be performed by the inquiry targetdetermination part 17 and the like of the image forming apparatus 1.

Further, each image forming apparatus may acquire a program and the likeof the relatively new version by copying the program and the like of theother image forming apparatus. There may be a case, particularly, wherea specified one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the imageforming system is appointed (fixed) as the information converter and theinformation converter copies the program and the like, to therebyacquire the program and the like of the relatively new version.

Though discussion has been made on the case where the mode informationconversion part 15 converts an “operation mode (including a plurality offunction modes)” in the above-discussed preferred embodiment, this isonly one exemplary case. The mode information conversion part 15 mayconverts only a “function mode” included in the operation mode. Forexample, the image forming apparatus 1 a sends only the executioninformation (tag information TG41 or the like) of the “function mode”which cannot be analyzed by the image forming apparatus 1 a to the imageforming apparatus 1 b, the mode information conversion part 15 of theimage forming apparatus 1 b converts the execution information (taginformation TG41 or the like) of the function mode into the convertedexecution information (tag information TS41), and the image formingapparatus 1 b sends the converted execution information back to theimage forming apparatus 1 a.

Though discussion has been made on the case where the customizedinformation is stored in the data management apparatus 90 in theabove-discussed preferred embodiment, this is only one exemplary case.For example, the customized information may be stored in an imageforming apparatus. Alternatively, the customized information may bestored in a portable recording medium such as a USB memory or the like.In more detail, the customized information stored in the portablerecording medium such as a USB memory may be imported and/or exported byeach of the image forming apparatuses. The plurality of image formingapparatuses can thereby share the customized information. Further, theabove-discussed functional level information (possessed-functioninformation) or the like may be also stored in a USB memory or the likeand shared by the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

While the invention has been shown and described in detail, theforegoing description is in all aspects illustrative and notrestrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications andvariations can be devised without departing from the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming system comprising a memory andone or more processors, the memory storing instructions for the one ormore processors to execute: calling up customized information which isoperation setting information customized for a specific user; dividingan operation to be executed in a specific function mode, which isinstalled in a first image forming apparatus and not installed in asecond image forming apparatus, which operation is dividable into aplurality of sub-jobs executable in said second image forming apparatus,into said plurality of sub-jobs executable in said second image formingapparatus, and changing execution information of said specific functionmode to converted execution information described by using a combinationof pieces of execution information of said plurality of sub-jobs whensaid specific function mode is included in said customized information;and causing execution of the plurality of sub-jobs by said second imageforming apparatus by using said converted execution information suchthat said second image forming apparatus implements a functionequivalent to the specific function mode.
 2. The image forming systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said execution information of saidspecific function mode is converted into said converted executioninformation on the basis of apparatus configuration information which isinformation relating to a configuration of said second image formingapparatus.
 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein theone or more processors further execute: determining whether or not saidspecific function mode is installed in said second image formingapparatus on the basis of possessed-function information which isinformation relating to functions possessed by said second image formingapparatus.
 4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein theone or more processors further execute: determining whether or not saidspecific function mode is installed in said second image formingapparatus on the basis of functional level information which isinformation relating to a functional level of said second image formingapparatus.
 5. The image forming system according to claim 1, whereinsaid execution information of said specific function mode is convertedinto said converted execution information by using a database defining arelation between said execution information of said specific functionmode and said plurality of sub-jobs.
 6. The image forming systemaccording to claim 5, wherein the one or more processors furtherexecute: updating data in said database by using network communication.7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the one ormore processors of the image forming system are provided in an apparatusother than said first image forming apparatus or said second imageforming apparatus.
 8. The image forming system according to claim 1,wherein the one or more processors of the image forming system areprovided in a third image forming apparatus which is different from saidfirst image forming apparatus or said second image forming apparatus.